[Gary Bagshawe]

So Your thinking of turning Pro…..Part1

I have decided to write a few pointers for people who have thought about this but not done anything about it.
This is by no means a definitive list of what to do and what not to do, it is based solely on my own experiences and ability. I will update as I find the time, hopefully at least once a week.

The first thing to consider is whether or not you are the kind of animal that can do it, self employment is hard and not for everybody. This is not meant as a slight against people who are employed but simply a statement of fact, you can have a big pay day 1 week then go without for weeks on end after that and if your sick, forget getting paid at all, if you have a partner and kids to consider then think really hard about it. A steady income stream and doing jobs part time would be a much more sensible approach to see how things go in the first instance.

Another myth to dispel at this point is about equipment, you do not need the most expensive cameras and lenses to make money with your photography, I repeat you do not need the most expensive cameras and lenses to make money with your photography. I have been making money from photography for well over 20 years now and have just bought my first Canon L series lens, I have had my work published in every newspaper and several magazines in the UK and many overseas publications as well. Yes the top stuff makes life easier, but it is not essential. I still take photographs that sell with my Canon D60 which is my backup camera and can be bought on ebay for around £150.00.

I find the hardest thing for most people to admit to themselves is that somebody would want to pay them to take photographs, it’s a hobby hell ill do it for nothing and thanks for asking. If you are good enough to be asked then you are good enough to be paid its as simple as that.

I have spoken to so many hobby photographers who have brought there work to show me and it is fantastic but they wont send it off anywhere for fear of rejection. Well look at my signature in the forums, if you throw enough balls at enough coconuts you win a fish. So you send some stuff off and if it is followed a few weeks later by a rejection, what have you lost, a bit of postage and a few minutes of your time at the most. You may be surprised and they get in touch wanting to use your images.

If you are thinking of sending work to magazines and publications then pick up a copy of the freelance photographers market handbook, it is worth its weight in gold, and research your market. Do not send photographs that they are unlikely to want as they WILL get rejected. Also think the magazine or paper, if you are sending in photographs of a pretty girl/boy hoping to get a front cover then look at the magazines cover, they will need space above the image for the name and possibly down 1 or both sides for contents etc. The point I’m trying to make here is to think like the buyer, it helps a lot.

Well I’m afraid I’m going to have to go and do some work now so bye for now and I hope the above has given some people some food for thought.
Cheers.

[Markulous]

Very useful, Gary! Cheers! It's something I mull over every now and then - to be honest I'm happy with the occasional shoot commission. At the moment, anyway!

[mouldy101]

Nice one Gary... Very interesting/useful

[Dave]

Interesting reading Gary .

Part II for people who haven't seen it :- Photography.. Going pro part2

[sawdust]

brill lots of help Bump